QR codes...

After last weeks discussion I came up with several possibilities

to develop my idea:

1. "Hidden" discussion boards

This idea would include to place several QR codes around Tapiola to create access points

to the virtual discussions about those places. Either the QR would bring out Twitter feed or

an online video related to that place. I'm still researching the technical side of using Twitter

feeds.

2. East/West Helsinki Demilitarized Zone

In this concept I would create a demilitarized zone "DMZ" between east and west sides 

of Helsinki. I would place two copies of the same QR code that give access to the "DMZ".

One would be somewhere in Tapiola another one in Itäkeskus ;-)

The virtual DMZ would be simple online platform for text based discussion like etherpad, only 

reachable by visiting one of these spaces and scanning the code. The virtual space would work 

as a common ground for the sides to settle disputes or just boast (like in the border of Koreas).

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Both of the ideas are influenced, I guess , by the ideas of poetic terrorism and Temporary Autonomous Zone (TAZ) from Hakim Bey. The main purpose is to create a space for discussion that links the "real world" with the virtual. One could claim that we are already fed up with all the online forums with trolls etc. However I think it would be beneficial for these discussions to be more linked to actual places to bridge the gap between the virtual and physical.

In both cases I would like to present my idea as an DIY kit rather than as an one time experiment. The only thing that still troubles me is that both ideas require users to have smartphone or similar gadget to work.

The reason I like QR codes is because they are not readable by human eyes and are often ignored. Some surveys about the use of QR codes suggest that people are usually using the code just because they are curious. If some people would actually end up in one of these virtual zones they would be probably at least in the right mood for leaving some mark of their visit. 

Related stuff:

Tactical media approach to QR: http://2d-code.co.uk/qr-code-switch/

TAZ, Hakim Bey: http://hermetic.com/bey/taz3.html#labelTAZ

Etherpad: http://muistio.tieke.fi/

Items needed:

- transparent tape (to place the codes in water resistant way)

- printer

- QR-code generator

- Etherpad or similar online tool